The collapse of the Soviet empire and the trend toward democracy and marketoriented economies have dramatically altered the shape of world affairs. Not since the end of World War II has the opportunity been greater to forge an international community dedicated to peace, civil and political liberties, and equitable economic development for all the world's people. Yet obstacles to achieving a stable and just international community remain formidable. The moment of opportunity could easily be lost.

Even now, war and civil strife claim tens of thousands of lives and threaten stability in many parts of the world. Moreover, until nuclear arsenals are further reduced and indeed dismantled, they, along with new technologies of mass destruction and an expanding arms trade, continue to pose major threats to peace. In addition, human rights continue to be denied in many countries, and many ethnic and racial minorities suffer discrimination and, at times, inhumane treatment. The worldwide failure to address endemic problems of poverty and inequality, and a North-South rift on human rights and environmental and economic issues could replace the cold war as the principal impediment to international cooperation.

At this critical point in world affairs, innovative thinking and concerted action are urgently required to create regional and international solutions to world problems. International organizations like the United Nations must reposition themselves amid competing interests and be assured of the necessary resources to meet new demands. The United States, for its part, must reorient its foreign policy to address the needs of an increasingly multipolar world. In light of these new realities, during the past year the International Affairs program has begun to redefine its work to address both current and emerging international issues.

Working closely with the Foundation's field offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the International Affairs program supports worldwide initiatives directed toward:

• —the prevention of war and the strengthening of peace and security through arms control and disarmament and the promotion of international means for averting and resolving conflicts;

• —the promotion of democratic values and respect for human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights;

• —the creation of an equitable international economic system that fosters growth and development for all nations and groups;

• —the strengthening of international and regional institutions and of international law as means to resolve international problems;

• —the analysis of United States foreign policy in light of the above goals.

The International Affairs program is also responsible for work in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The program seeks to help integrate into the international community the countries of the region—especially Hungary, Poland, Russia, and the Czech and Slovak republics.

In 1992 the program made grants totaling $35.6 million. Examples are discussed below.